Friday, December 30, 2016

New Year, New Choices, New Opportunities

2016 has been one hell of a year. It has been difficult for many reasons: the Presidential election, the loss of so many celebrities, gun violence, attacks against police, the rise of ISIS. Personally, I have been challenged as a parent, a wife and just personal physical and emotional struggles. I am ready to see this year end. It started off with the death of a family member. He was 22 years old. He passed away from a heroin overdose. The epidemic I had heard about on news reports was real, was now personal.

As I said, 2016 was one hell of a year. There were lots of good things that happened too: as a family we went to a Phillies game with extended family, met my late cousin's daughter (she is the spitting image of him), we spent some time in Washington DC and Virginia learning more about our nation's history, and watched my daughter face challenges and adjust her thinking to conquer them. This summer my daughter and I got our live music fix with a Kenny Chesney concert and our annual trek to an Eagles Open Practice. We love Philadelphia Eagles football. Personally, I put my political beliefs into action and volunteered for the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this July.

For 2017 I am determined to be positive in my attitude in all things, not be afraid of the unknown, take some risks and finish projects I start. I will put my faith in God and trust that all things happen for a reason. I will remember that I am a Child of God and that He loves me. I am tired of feeling like I am wasting time. Life is short. We don't get a do over. Each day is the only day we have to make an impact, to make our voices heard.

I am happy to say goodbye to 2016 and really looking forward to a fantastic 2017!